1. Where does the food come from?
Phelps County Faith Distribution goes to Columbia once a month to pick up food that has been ordered previously at The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, which distributes free USDA and Feeding America items. About 25,000 pounds are distributed each month in Rolla from PCFD. |
2. When and where is the food distributed?
The distribution takes place every third Saturday of the month, from 8 a.m.-noon. The location is Grace Church, 12640 U.S. Highway 63 south, Rolla, MO. |
3. How do people qualify for food?
Clients must live in Phelps County, but not in St. James School District (which has its own distribution the third Thursday of the month. Call 573-265-2047 for more information). If you live outside of Phelps County, go here for a list of other Missouri food pantries. Clients must either receive government assistance that applies to the entire family (such as food stamps, TANF, heating assistance, rent assistance) or meet income guidelines (125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines/150 percent for senior citizens and disabled.) Clients cannot pre-register for the program. Eligibility is determined each month for each family as they sign-in before getting their food. If you would like to know if you are eligible, go here for more information. |
4. What should I bring with me on distribution day?
The first time you attend, you should bring some form of identification for you and for all members of your family, such as driver's license, social security card, Medicaid card, etc. You will not need to show your identification after your first visit. All clients should bring a box or laundry basket to put their food in! |
5. Can I pick up food for someone else?
If the family fits the criteria above, they can assign a proxy to pick up their food if they are not able to come to the distribution. The proxy must bring a signed and filled out proxy letter to the distribution. See below to download and print out the letter.The first time the proxy picks up for the family, he/she should bring an identification for the head of the family, such as driver’s license or Medicaid card. |
6. What are donations used for?
Tax-deductible donations are used for supplies for the monthly distribution. All staff members are volunteers. Donations are needed for the building fund, which will go toward constructing a permanent, new facility to house the distribution. Click here to make a donation. |
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7. When do you need volunteers?
Volunteers are needed to unload the Wal-Mart semi truck that picks up the food on the Wednesday of distribution week from 6-7:30 p.m. (the week before the third Saturday of the month.) On the Friday of that week, volunteers are needed to pre-pack boxes and bag bulk food from noon-1:30 p.m. On the date of distribution, volunteers serve either from 7:30-10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The second shift also includes clean-up. For more information, to get on the volunteer email list, or to hear about other volunteer opportunities, contact Carol Creighton at phelpscountyfood@gmail.com. All events take place at Grace Church, 12640 U.S. Highway 63 south, Rolla. |
8. Do you deliver food to shut-ins?
We do not have the manpower to offer delivery service for the county. We do allow an authorized person to pick up food for another family during the distribution. (See proxy information on question 5). 9. Can I get my food another time during the month? If you are unavailable during our regular distribution times, please call 803-533-4906 (toll free) or email phelpscountyfood@gmail.com to set up an appointment to pick up food sometime during the week after the distribution date. |